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The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority offers Carbon Literacy Training to all staff. The training is delivered by a group of staff volunteers who host sessions on a monthly basis. The organisation aims to become a Gold Level Carbon Literate Organisation by the end of 2025.

What is Carbon Literacy?

Carbon Literacy is an awareness of the carbon costs and impacts of everyday activities and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions, on an individual, community and organisational basis.

It is the knowledge and capacity required to create a positive shift in how we live, work and behave as a society in response to climate change.

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Who are the Carbon Literacy Project?

The Carbon Literacy Project (CLP) is run by the Carbon Literacy Trust and overseen by the Charity Commission. It provides the toolkits for Carbon Literacy Training. The CLP is a collaboration which involves people and organisations from across all sectors. These organisations contribute time, material and funding to improve understanding and trigger action on climate change. CLP was recognised by the UN at COP21, in Paris, where it was awarded as a TAP100, one of 100 worldwide Transformative Action Programs.

What does Carbon Literacy Training involve?

Carbon Literacy Training provides up-to-date information about climate science and the impacts of climate change. The training helps learners to understand:

  • their impact on the environment,
  • their individual and collective carbon footprints,
  • the actions they can take to reduce these footprints at work and at home.

Learners who have completed a day’s worth of Carbon Literacy training can be certified as ‘Carbon Literate’.

How do you become a Carbon Literate Organisation?

Organisations that have a Carbon Literate workforce can be accredited by CLP as a ‘Carbon Literate Organisation’. The Combined Authority aims to become a Gold Level Carbon Literate Organisation by the end of 2025. To achieve this more than 60% of staff need to be trained and certified. This organisational accreditation will aid the development, recruitment and retention of the workforce. It will also ensure that we engage positively with our workforce in delivering sustainable behaviours.

Badge reading

Digital badge

The Combined Authority has also designed a ‘digital badge’ to give recognition to staff as they complete the training and commitments required to be certified as Carbon Literate. Along with the CLP logo, this can be added to staff email signatures and enhance CV and LinkedIn profiles.

Working for the environment and nature

Environment

Discover the work the Combined Authority are doing to address climate change and protect or enhance the environment.

Climate and nature recovery action

Businesses and residents in the West of England are being called upon to take urgent action on reducing emissions, adapting to a changing climate and supporting nature recovery.